Southport FC to have work cut out against Barnet in FA Cup tie says manager Liam Watson

MANAGER Liam Watson admits in-form Southport will have their work cut out against Barnet.

And he is looking to the fans to turn out in force to give the Sandgrounders a 12th man against the League Two strugglers on Saturday in the FA Cup first round.

Port supporters will be backing their side to cause an upset, especially after the weekend’s victory over Kettering Town moved them into the Conference top five.

The 3-2 win was Southport’s seventh consecutive away victory of the season - equalling a club record from the 1955-56 campaign - but it is home matters which now occupy Watson’s thoughts.

Port defeated league rivals Stockport County at Haig Avenue in the fourth qualifying round last month and face another test at home on Saturday when £18,000 in prize money is on offer for the winners.

“It's a tough draw for us but it's a tough draw for Barnet as well. The good thing is we're at home. They're struggling as well so it gives us a good chance to progress.

"The draw hasn't been kind to us so far.We had Stockport County in the qualifying rounds and now Barnet in the first round, when there were plenty of non-league clubs still in it.

"If we do get through, you then want that little bit of luck to give you the chance of pulling Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United or Chelsea in the third round. But we've got a tough game to get through against Barnet.

"Everyone in non-league wants to pick one of the big teams. Not only because it give you a fabulous day but it sets the club up for the next 10 years."